In this episode of Snollygoster, we look at the proposed abortion rights amendment and how it compares to Michigan's amendment from last year. Zoe Clark, political director at Michigan Radio, discusses the dynamics and messaging of her state's successful abortion rights campaign.
What campaigners can learn from Michigan
Ohio early voting begins in less than two weeks, and the typically quiet odd-year election will feature more than just city council and mayoral candidates.
The proposed abortion rights amendment is at the top issue on voters' minds and on the ballot. If passed, it would prohibit the state from regulating or banning abortion until fetal viability. After that, abortion would only be legal if the mother's life is in danger.
The campaign is just starting to pick up steam, but Ohio is not the first state to have such a vote. Michigan held a similar vote last year, and voters approved the proposed amendment by a 57% to 43% margin.
Same districts, different day
Republicans and Democrats can agree on state legislative maps, after all.
In a surprise late-night meeting on Tuesday, the Ohio Redistricting Commission unanimously approved maps for Ohio House and Ohio Senate districts. The maps still give Republicans an advantage, with Republicans projected to win 62% of the House seats and 70% of the Senate seats.
The two Democrats on the panel, House Minority Leader Allison Russo and Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, voted for the maps. Neither seemed pleased with the decision, but they said it was the best they could do.
Voting rights advocates are not happy. Instead of just blasting Republicans for creating unfair maps, they are now blasting Democrats as well. They said this only furthers their case that redistricting should not be in the hands of politicians.
Barring any court decisions or last-minute changes, the maps are approved on a bipartisan basis and will be good for eigth more years, until the next census. However, advocates for a 15-member nonpartisan commission are continuing to get the issue on the ballot for next November.
Snollygoster of the week
Matt Mayer, a conservative policy researcher, was the first candidate for Ohio governor in 2026. He announced his candidacy back in February almost four years before voting.
And now he’s the first candidate to drop out of the race for Ohio governor. On his blog, he said he has not seen the groundswell of support needed to take on the Republican establishment. He cited lackluster turnout to campaign events, and trouble attracting social media followers.
You have to give the guy credit for jumping into the race and you have to give him credit for seeing the writing on the wall.
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